Taguig gov’t opens child abuse hotline

The Taguig City government recently opened a hotline where residents can report any form of abuse against children.

The emergency hotline 0937 587-0000 was launched as part of the Taguig Comprehensive Youth Welfare, Protection and Development program.

The program aims to protect the youth from dangers to their health, welfare and well-being, such as cybersex and sexual exploitation, teenage pregnancy, smoking, bullying and illegal drugs.

“We believe that the young generation is a gift from the Lord, so we need to prepare and protect them; and therefore we will also need the support of our hardworking employees in attaining this goal,” Taguig Mayor Lani Cayetano said in a statement.

The City Social Welfare and Development Office continues to educate the community to help prevent abuses and child trafficking, the city government said.

Rescue operations have also been organized by different agencies including the Philippine National Police Cybercrime Group, PNP Women and Children Protection Center Anti-Human Trafficking Division, the National Bureau of Investigation, and the US Department of Homeland Security.

A cybersex operation was recently busted in a hotel in Bonifacio Global City through the initiative of the US Homeland Security Investigations. Two minors were rescued while three suspects were arrested. Erika Sauler